Collins Complete Dog Manual

Mystery veils the real origins of this breed. Its German name is Teckel, a word that is found at the base of an ancient Egyptian sculpture of familiarly long-bodied, short-legged dogs. ‘Dachshund’ means ‘badger dog’ and it is one of the oldest hunting breeds in Germany, mentioned in records since the fifteenth century. Few, if any, Dachshunds hunt in Britain but they have not lost their instincts. A few are still used in Germany and in France, particularly the very small variety know in Germany as the Rabbit Dachshund.

Description

A long, low dog known as the ‘sausage dog’, it is full of life and always alert. All colours are acceptable but only small white patches on the chest are permitted. The different sizes and coats have evolved since around 1850 and today the most popular variety is the Miniature Long-haired Dachshund. They will go underground but are in danger of getting trapped. At one time, the Standards were general hunters of foxes, deer and even boar.

Fact File

Group: Hound

Country of Origin: Germany

Miniatures and Standards:

13–25 cm (5–10 in)

Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Guarding Instinct: Distrustful, all sizes will warn off strangers.

Temperament & Grooming

Temperament: Easy to live with and very affectionate. Playful and mischievous – sometimes stubborn, as befits a hunting dog. Long-haireds are more independent than Wires and Smooths, which are more demonstrative.

Grooming: Whereas the Smooths need a soft brush and polish weekly, the Long-haireds need brushing and combing bi-weekly, and the Wire-haireds should be hand stripped every three months.

Exercise & Feeding

Exercise: Needs plenty, plus play and hunting in woods.

Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.

Health Problems

All varieties can have back problems, and they should not be allowed to run up and down steps or stairs. Only buy Miniature Dachshunds from eye-tested parents.

(otsphoto)

(Jana Behr)

Boxer

(Gelpi JM)

Bred to be a companion, guard and show dog, the Boxer’s intelligence and brightness of spirit endear him to most nationalities. An alert house guard with a booming voice but never vicious. As a member of a family, the Boxer is truly a fun dog, very affectionate and loyal to the end. The Boxer’s aggressive appearance belies its soft nature – the right dog for the right family.

History

The Boxer is a German manufactured breed derived from the ancient Mastiff-style dog that accompanied the Roman legions across Europe. Like several other big breeds, Boxers have, in their lineage, the blood of the Bullenbeiser – dogs bred for the purpose of bull baiting. However, the Boxer did not come to the fore until around 1890, after bull baiting was outlawed.

Description

A superb athletic body rippling with muscles, of medium size with a short, glossy coat in fawn shades from light to deep red, or distinct brindle stripes. White is allowed but not exceeding one-third of the base colour. Once over the puppy stages, Boxers are easily trained for all manner of security work. The breed is used in Europe as a police dog where its muscular, hard body can stop a criminal in his tracks. Armed forces make use of its determination and confident attitude.

Fact File

Group: Working

Country of Origin: Germany

Male:

56–63 cm (22½–25 in)

Female:

Slightly smaller.

Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.

Life Expectancy: 9–10 years

Guarding Instinct: Distrustful, all sizes will warn off strangers.

Temperament & Grooming

Temperament: The Boxer can be boisterous and exuberant and should be trained kindly not to jump up on children, whom it loves. Its aggressive appearance often warns off wrong-doers, but this dog is not a biter and its formidable looks belie its soft nature.

Grooming: Minimal: a weekly brushing will remove dead hairs, then polish with a chamois leather or hound glove.

Exercise & Feeding

Exercise: Natural athletes, Boxers need plenty of activity, free running and play.

Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.

Health Problems

Some hip dysplasia (#litres_trial_promo) but serious heart problems. Buy from reputable breeders who test their stock. Some deafness in white dogs.

Schnauzer

(Eric Isselee)

Absolutely devoted to its family, the Schnauzer is a happy dog that can be trained fairly easily to be obedient. The original Pinscher was an all-round farm dog that did anything that was expected of him. The modern Schnauzer is usually a much-loved family pet and does not generally have work to do. Even so, it still retains the will and the ability.

History